VW T2 Bay (1968–1979): oil temperature and oil pressure in place of the ashtray, no drilling
Where can I fit extra gauges in a VW T2 Bay without drilling the dashboard?
In the ashtray slot under the radio. A panel plugs in there with a hollow plug with crush ribs and holds two 52 mm gauges flush, on the air-cooled flat four typically oil temperature and oil pressure. Nothing is drilled, and the original ashtray is kept. It is designed for the T2a (1968–1972); the T2b is probably the same but not confirmed.
- Car
- VW T2 Bay Window: T2a 1968–1972, bus/Kombi, Westfalia, pickup, panel van
- Not confirmed
- T2b (1973–1979), probably the same according to the source
- Gauges
- 2 × 52 mm flush (e.g. VDO Cockpit), versions for 45, 50 and 55 mm depth
- Mounting
- hollow 91 × 46.6 mm plug with crush ribs in the ashtray slot
- Material
- PETG, ASA or ABS; no supports
- Fit
- not tested in a car; dimensions taken from a freely published third-party model
How the panel sits
Under the radio of the T2 Bay the ashtray sits in a slot of about 91 × 47 mm. A hollow plug with crush ribs clamps in it, and the panel in front holds two 52 mm gauges flush side by side, for example VDO Cockpit for oil temperature and oil pressure. The cables run through the plug into the slot. Nothing is drilled, and the original stays undamaged.
Which T2s fit
- Designed for: T2a (1968–1972), bus/Kombi, Westfalia, pickup and panel van.
- Not confirmed: T2b (1973–1979), probably the same according to the source.
- Whether the Beetle ashtray is identical is still being checked.
What is tested and what isn’t
To be clear: our panel has not yet been tested in a car. The slot dimensions come from a freely published insert fitted in a 1969 bus (fourlowfab, Printables 115262, CC BY-NC-SA); we only took over the dimensions. If the plug is too tight, file the crush ribs a little; if it is too loose, add felt tape. The gauge bore is 52.79 mm; the tolerance test ring shows whether your printer hits it.
Safety
The T2 has no airbags from the factory. The panel must still not get in the way of the gear lever, heater levers or knees. Always connect cables via a fuse and keep them away from sharp sheet-metal edges.
Printing
The panel prints with the front face on the bed for a smooth visible side; no supports are needed. PETG is enough, ASA or ABS work too, PLA does not (PETG or ASA in a car). The panel weighs about 120 g and takes just over 10 hours.
Fitting the gauge panel in a T2 Bay
- Print the fit test set or tolerance test ring in the final material and test-fit a gauge.
- Print the panel (front face on the bed, no supports).
- Pull out the original ashtray and keep it.
- Feed the cables through the cups and the plug into the slot, fit the gauges, connect power via a fuse.
- Press the panel into the slot and check that gear lever, heater levers and knees stay clear.
FAQ
Does it fit my 1977 bus (T2b)?
Probably, but it is not confirmed. The dimensions come from a 1969 bus (T2a); the author of the original insert expects the T2b to be the same. Measure the slot first (about 91 × 47 mm) or print the fit test set.
Which gauges make sense on the type 4 engine?
On the air-cooled flat four – type 1 or type 4 – oil temperature and oil pressure matter most, often with a voltmeter. Any 52 mm gauge fits as long as its depth matches the chosen version.
What happens to the original ashtray?
It is just pulled out and stays undamaged. You can go back to stock at any time – important on a classic.
Why does the panel stick out from the dashboard?
The slot is only about 47 mm high, so a 52 mm gauge does not fit inside. Only the plug goes into the slot; the panel sits in front and sticks out by the gauge depth.
Updated: 1 November 2026
